Search form

Black History Month Resource Kit

Resources and suggestions for developing LGBT-inclusive Black History Month features.

BACKGROUND

For more than 85 years, Americans have set aside time in February to recognize the many accomplishments and contributions of African Americans. Originally founded by Carter G. Woodson as Negro History Week in 1926, Black History Month was officially exapanded to a month-long celebration in 1976 by President Gerald Ford to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

While the annual celebration has since expanded in reach to include festivals, public forums and celebrations across the country, far too often the contributions of black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) people are often left out of the picture. From civil rights leader Bayard Rustin to community advocate Mandy Carter to well-renowned inventor George Washington Carver, black LGBT people have enriched our nation and our lives.

FAIR, ACCURATE & INCLUSIVE

Consider including voices of black LGBT people in stories that survey African American history and civil rights progress. Interviews with and opinion pieces by LGBT people of color are good opportunities to increase the diversity of voices in Black History Month coverage.

Additional suggestions for inclusive coverage:

Recognize that the black LGBT community is diverse and that no one voice can or should represent an entire community. Black LGBT people encompass a broad spectrum of life experiences from doctors and lawyers to hip hop artists and literary figures. Seek out their and others' stories.

Consider the daily lives of black LGBT people. So often, stories about LGBT communities of color revolve around HIV/AIDS or hate crimes. While these are important stories to tell, also try to think about positive or upbeat stories that might be of interest to your readers and which reflect the daily reality of the black LGBT experience.

While it is okay to use terms like gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender when writing in general terms about the black LGBT community, do not assume that all people identify using these terms. Some have adopted the term "Same Gender Loving" (or SGL) or other identities that are more inclusive of both sexual orientation and race. Others may not identify with any terms at all. As you would ask a transgender person which name and pronoun they would like you to use, please ask LGBT people of color how they would like you to identify their racial and sexual orientation identities.

Avoid stereotypes when covering AIDS, the black community and the "Down Low." While silence around sexual orientation stems from anti-LGBT beliefs and attitudes, one should not make the distinction that black communities are more anti-LGBT than any other community or that concealing one's orientation or identity is a uniquely black phenomenon. These sociocultural complexities should be examined with respect and dignity for the people they represent.

Consult with black LGBT leaders and organizations if you have questions about complex issues. When dealing with an issue that is unfamiliar, these community leaders and experts can offer invaluable resources that can assist you in providing the best possible coverage.

STORY POSSIBILITIES

There are a wide variety of stories that are inclusive of black LGBT lives:

Black LGBT people don't have to represent just black LGBT issues. If interviewing people about general LGBT issues, include black LGBT voices and perspectives.

February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Events are being held around the country. Check http://www.blackaidsday.org for more information.

Profile a prominent figure within the black LGBT community. See below for a list of famous and notable black LGBT people.

Cover positive stories of inclusion in black churches. Many churches are inclusive of black LGBT people. The Unity Fellowship Church, for example, is a very prominent coalition of churches reaching out to LGBT communities of color. The Fellowship is another movement of affirming churches of color. The Metropolitan Community Church, Arc of Refuge and Glide Church are other churches inclusive of LGBT people of color.

Explore some of the sociocultural factors that contribute to many black LGBT people not identifying with standard terms dealing with gender identity or sexual orientation.

more publications

The first annual GLAAD Studio Responsibility Index (SRI) maps the quantity, quality and diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in films released by six major motion picture studios during the 2012 calendar year. GLAAD researched films released by 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, Sony Columbia, Universal Pictures, The Walt Disney Studios and Warner Brothers. The report is intended to serve as a road map toward increasing fair, accurate and inclusive LGBT film representations.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) bill introduced in congress would extend the current non-discrimination law to include sexual orientation and gender identity, making it illegal to refuse to hire or promote, fire, or harass an employee based on these qualities. The current version of the law outlaws workplace discrimination on the basis of race, skin color, religion, sex, and national origin.

Transgender people are sometimes suspected and/or convicted of crimes. The media has a responsibility to represent all transgender people accurately, with their correct names and pronouns, and without relying on dehumanizing stereotypes. This responsibility does not change with the circumstances of a story, including instances where transgender people are suspected of crimes.

Pages

About GLAAD

GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. More about GLAAD >>